3,7-dimethyl-9-(2,6,6-trimethylcyclohex-1-enyl)nona-2,4,6,8-tetraen-1-ol, or Retinol, is a molecule more commonly known as vitamin A. This is a vitamin humans need in their diet.
Pure retinol is a fat and exists in different densities and appearances. Pure retinol is sold as a cream for skin care.
4
The formula for it is C20H30O. The oxygen at the end means that it is an alcohol (but you probably realized that because of the suffix -ol.)
This big molecule has a molar mass of286.45 g/mol. The melting point is 62-64º C and the boiling point is 137-138º C.
The density varies throughout nature because it is found in various places.
Structure
Retinol is a polyene, which means that there are alternating single and double bonds in the molecule1.
The number of isomers retinol has is large. However, they all carry out the same function. Cis geometric isomers are more unstable than trans isomers, so cis isomers will bond until the whole molecule is a trans isomer.
Discovery and History
In 1913, retinol was discovered by two scientists, Elmer McCollum and Marguerite Davis, at the University of Wisconsin-Madison. In the same year at Ya le, Lafayette Mendell discovered the same thing. Retinol has been around for millions of years despite being discovered in the 20th century. Records of loss of vision in the dark and bad skin have been recorded throughout history. These are vitamin A deficiencies. 1.
Importance of Vitamin A
The uses of retinol are plentiful. By consuming, retinol helps bone, cell, and hormone growth. With the help of retinol, our eyes can see better in the dark. Sounds like "retina," right? Retinol is also used in face products, such as anti-aging cream and acne washes and medicines3.
Obtaining Retinol
We receive vitamin A through foods like fish, cheese, meat, milk, dairy, fruits, and vegetables.1
Vitamin A Deficiency
Vitamin A deficiency is a problem throughout some parts of the world. The map below shows a map of the world and color coded for places where VAD is high in children.
Caption says: Map 4.1. Vitamin A Deficiency in preschool-aged children. Most recent years.
5
VAD is a serious problem in parts of the world that is most common in children and pregnant women. Fatality could be a result of VAD in young children who are exposed to other diseases. The solution to the VAD problem in other countries is simple and has long-lasting effects- plant fruits and vegetables with vitamin A. This could reduce fatality in children by 25%.6
Table of Contents
Basic Information
3,7-dimethyl-9-(2,6,6-trimethylcyclohex-1-enyl)nona-2,4,6,8-tetraen-1-ol, or Retinol, is a molecule more commonly known as vitamin A. This is a vitamin humans need in their diet.
This is the retinol molecule:2To view, you will need to install MDL Chime plug-in.
On macs, you need to download iMol
Pure retinol is a fat and exists in different densities and appearances. Pure retinol is sold as a cream for skin care.
The formula for it is C20H30O. The oxygen at the end means that it is an alcohol (but you probably realized that because of the suffix -ol.)
This big molecule has a molar mass of 286.45 g/mol. The melting point is 62-64º C and the boiling point is 137-138º C.
The density varies throughout nature because it is found in various places.
Structure
Retinol is a polyene, which means that there are alternating single and double bonds in the molecule1.The number of isomers retinol has is large. However, they all carry out the same function. Cis geometric isomers are more unstable than trans isomers, so cis isomers will bond until the whole molecule is a trans isomer.
Discovery and History
In 1913, retinol was discovered by two scientists, Elmer McCollum and Marguerite Davis, at the University of Wisconsin-Madison. In the same year at Yale, Lafayette Mendell discovered the same thing. Retinol has been around for millions of years despite being discovered in the 20th century. Records of loss of vision in the dark and bad skin have been recorded throughout history. These are vitamin A deficiencies. 1.
Importance of Vitamin A
The uses of retinol are plentiful. By consuming, retinol helps bone, cell, and hormone growth. With the help of retinol, our eyes can see better in the dark. Sounds like "retina," right?Retinol is also used in face products, such as anti-aging cream and acne washes and medicines3.
Obtaining Retinol
We receive vitamin A through foods like fish, cheese, meat, milk, dairy, fruits, and vegetables.1Vitamin A Deficiency
Vitamin A deficiency is a problem throughout some parts of the world. The map below shows a map of the world and color coded for places where VAD is high in children.5
VAD is a serious problem in parts of the world that is most common in children and pregnant women. Fatality could be a result of VAD in young children who are exposed to other diseases. The solution to the VAD problem in other countries is simple and has long-lasting effects- plant fruits and vegetables with vitamin A. This could reduce fatality in children by 25%.6
References
1. http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Retinol
2. http://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/thumb/9/9e/Retinol_3D_balls.png/1024px-Retinol_3D_balls.png
3. http://retinolacentre.com/uses-for-retinol/
4. http://cellulitebye.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/01/creme-anticellulite.jpg
5. http://12.000.scripts.mit.edu/mission2014/sites/default/file/Vitamin%20A%20Deficiency%20Map.JPG
6. http://www.who.int/nutrition/topics/vad/en/